Chapter 205

"Mr. Scott, there are a few things in our agreement that I don't really get. Can you clear them up for me?" Andrew asked, forcing a smile while fuming inside.

"Sure." William shot Victoria a look that left no room for argument. "Wait for me over there."

The natural intimacy in his voice made anyone watching wonder about their relationship.

"Okay." Victoria obediently walked to a quieter spot.

Immediately, the sharp-eyed crowd swarmed around her, pretending to make small talk while subtly probing her relationship with William.

Those who initially wanted to cozy up to William now turned their attention to Victoria, hoping to gain an advantage through her.

In no time, a dozen business cards were thrust in front of her like a flurry of snowflakes.

Meanwhile, William listened to Andrew's irrelevant and trivial questions, which didn't even touch on the core points of their cooperation. He grew increasingly impatient, not even bothering to make eye contact. Eventually, Harry stepped in to answer on his behalf.

Holding his wine glass, William occasionally glanced in Victoria's direction.

At first, Victoria managed to handle the attention.

But as more people crowded around her, her brow furrowed, and a hint of helplessness appeared on her face.

William took a sip of his wine, thinking to himself that she shouldn't have been dragged into this complicated scene.

Setting down his glass, he was about to walk over to her when Alice naturally sidled up to him.

She affectionately linked her arm with his, her demeanor intimate. "This is Jonah Clarke, the head of this investment seminar and a key figure in Silvermist City's Department of Commerce."

William looked up to see a middle-aged man approaching them.

"You must be Mr. Scott. So young and accomplished! Alice, you have a good eye!"

The man's compliment was laden with obvious implications.

William wasn't about to waste time explaining such trivial matters. His main goal for attending was to establish a connection with Jonah.

He hadn't expected Alice to have such a close relationship with him.

He glanced at her, realizing he knew less about her than he thought.

Sensing his thoughts, Alice leaned in and whispered, "They only know me because of my aunt."

William knew a bit about Alice's aunt, Catherine Potts. His dealings in Xandria with Louie had gone smoothly partly due to Catherine's help.

The Potts family wasn't a major family, but Catherine had married far better than Alice's mother.

Her husband was from the Bryant family, a prestigious family in Harborview City, comparable to the Scott family.

Though Catherine hadn't married the head of the Bryant family, her husband was the head's younger brother, with significant assets and connections.

Catherine and Alice's mother had been close since childhood, so it was natural for her to dote on Alice.

Recently, Catherine had heard about Alice being trapped abroad by the Garcia family for years. If Ella hadn't donated a kidney to save Alice, Catherine wouldn't have let it go so easily.

William understood that if it was indeed Catherine's influence, it made sense.

Victoria finally had some peace. She instinctively glanced over at William, who was now chatting and laughing with others, Alice clinging to him affectionately.

Alice occasionally adjusted his slightly wrinkled collar with a natural familiarity.

Who would believe they had broken up?

Victoria forced herself to look away. Whether William and Alice rekindled their relationship was none of her business!

"Ms. Carter, Mr. Scott asked me to take you home." Harry appeared in front of her.

"The event isn't over yet," Victoria said.

"Mr. Scott said you might not be comfortable in this setting and shouldn't force yourself."

Victoria turned her head, staring at William in a daze.

William was still mingling with the crowd, Alice clinging to him like a bird, and he didn't seem to mind at all!

"Why does he still care about what I do?" Victoria slowly looked away, her tone carrying a hint of irritation she didn't even notice.

But as soon as she spoke, she realized it sounded like she was upset with a boyfriend or a girl complaining out of jealousy.

Realizing this, her mood worsened, and her rebellious streak flared up. "I'm not leaving! Why should I listen to him? I still need to promote my dad's company!"

"But..." Before Harry could say more, Victoria plunged into the bustling crowd.

This was an investment seminar, and everyone was deep in conversation. Victoria kept her task in mind.

As she promoted her company, people kept offering her drinks. Even though it was just wine, drinking one glass after another made her legs feel weak and her head light.

Her cheeks grew redder, and as someone handed her another glass, a large, well-defined hand suddenly reached over, taking the glass and downing it in one gulp, then turning the empty glass upside down to show it was finished.

"Everyone, is it fun to bully a young lady? If you want to drink, I'll join you." With that, he calmly picked up another glass.

Victoria tilted her head, looking at him in a daze. Perhaps it was the alcohol, but her head leaned against his chest, her consciousness growing fuzzier.

Seeing this, the crowd awkwardly laughed, defusing the tension. Who would dare push Victoria to drink more?

This was William, after all!

Of all people to offend, why him?

William glanced at Victoria, who was leaning against him, her cheeks flushed with a tipsy glow. Her body was limp, as if she might slide to the floor at any moment.

With a hint of exasperation, he wrapped an arm around her waist, supporting her entire weight.

He walked over to Jonah, his face apologetic, and said sincerely, "I'm really sorry, but something came up. She's had a bit too much to drink, and I need to take her home."

Jonah was momentarily stunned, his gaze quickly sweeping over Victoria in William's arms, then glancing at Alice nearby. He smiled warmly, "Of course, Mr. Scott. Take care of your business. We can talk another time."

"Absolutely."

Alice's face turned sour. She had gone to great lengths to help him network, and now he was willing to forgo a significant business opportunity for Victoria!

Despite her frustration and resentment, she suppressed her emotions, quickly catching up with them. She feigned concern, speaking softly, "Ms. Carter had too much to drink? Maybe I should take her home. It's rare to have all the big names in Silvermist City here. Leaving now might not be the best idea."

"No need." William's refusal was firm, "She's not that close to you."